I was just reading the results of a spot Facebook poll of GPs asking what the most wonderful medications ever invented are. Once everyone got the customary “caffeine” gag out of the way, the rest of the nominations and auspicious award winners unfolded like a who’s who of the modern medicine prescription pad. Naturally, Penicillin took out first prize (no surprises there unless you’ve been living under a rock…a very clean sterilised one at that that!), one vaccine made the top 10 but I thought there were a few unexpecteds in here:
1. Penicillin “Because of it, entire nations can now afford to worry more about diseases of old age rather than infection. Penicillin’s success ushered in the era of modern pharmacology. To be fair, alongside antibiotics were profound improvements in housing and sanitation.”
2. Smallpox vaccine according to the author of this poll Dr. Justin Coleman,”was a triumph of research, pharmaceuticals, human cooperation and public health planning.”
3. Contraceptive pill for changing the lives of women all around the world. True but BOY does it change it for the worse in some!!
4. Aspirin celebrated for being as ‘cheap as chips’ and having a second rise in popularity with regard to cardiovascular disease.. “Arguably, it prevents more deaths per dollar than any other drug.”
5. Insulin no explanation necessary really given we all know a type 1 diabetic or 10 who simply wouldn’t be here without it.
6. Morphine hmmmmmmmmmmmm in these anti-opiate times this is a controversial one which is acknowledged but countered with a firm reminder that, when used correctly, it is numero uno of analgesia
7. Salbutamol basically celebrated by medicos for being cheap, convenient and novelly administered…ah yup..can’t say I’m with you on this one
8. Adrenaline a true life-saver. I get it.
9. Prednisolone Oh dear…. and I quote, “fixes so many symptoms. It takes a lavish side-effect profile to stop it being added to the water supply. Never doubt the power of a steroid, for good or evil.” I’ve seen it do a LOT of evil with over-prescription in general practice BUT when my son as in ER with a severe adverse reaction to anaesthetic…I got to see it in all its goodness & I totally prayed at the prednisolone altar!
10. Metformin Whah…? Touted as being cheap, safe and effective by the medicos…clearly I am seeing a different group of patients! But funnily enough the author says,“It’s derived from the beautiful French Lilac flower, so it must be good for you.”
It’s important to acknowledge the strengths of each health modality and as I mentioned above, a quick (or long arduous) trip to an ER should be an instant reminder about medicine’s most-developed muscle: acute & critical care. But there are also the things that medicine has provided that we just ‘accept as a given’…not realising how often they keep us out of the ER situation. Just saying. It’s always about not chucking the baby out with the bathwater. As (ahem) mentioned we are all likely to see problems associated with many of these top 10, particularly with over-prescription in a general practice setting…cue superhero music…that’s where naturopaths, nutritionists, psychologists, integrative GPs, masseurs, osteopaths,chiropractors, TCM practitioners etc. should enter…externalised underwear optional 😉
What are your top nutrients or herbs or other modalities that you can’t imagine being without? It gets you thinking doesn’t it…
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